But Matthew Berry says....

[Zanary]

I think we'd be having very different conversations about SD if he did dazzle, won the NORTH and a playoff game or two.

Absolutely, but...the "ifs" have plagued every QB we've had forever. The OL protection is a legit reason/excuse for a lot of problems for too many seasons, but Darnold's deer-in-headlights tendencies under elite pressure from top-line defenses was undeniable. He can bounce back from mistakes, he's proven that, but if the opposing defense gets him to doubt his reads/processes, he wilts. Maybe some of that could be laid at KOC's feet for not getting him quick/simple plays to help his timing and confidence, but most of it's on Sam.

The long and short of it is that winning deep into the playoffs takes a very impressive team, overall, and the star players need to "dazzle" under the brightest lights. The Vikings have winced in those situations for a long time.

[purplefaithful]

Dimes will be gone if Darnold stays.  I still don't really see the upside of another year of Darnold unless you believe McCarthy isn't the answer.

Yah, I tend to agree with both...

I'm not pounding the table for an extension. But I wouldn't lose sleep over a 2 year, easy out contract for Sam. As long as JJ gets a real shot at QB1 and we're not wasting valuable time with a rookie qb contract.

[JimmyinSD]

Dimes will be gone if Darnold stays.  I still don't really see the upside of another year of Darnold unless you believe McCarthy isn't the answer.

I expect Jones to be gone regardless.. what is the upside to staying in MN when the coach wants JJM,  the front office needs JJM, the fans want JJM.... what does he have to gain here?  

He can likely get a multi year deal with more guaranteed money than MN will be willing to put up.  I just dont subscribe to this notion that these guys are going to give up money to attend KOCs QB camp another year.

[Waterboy]

I expect Jones to be gone regardless.. what is the upside to staying in MN when the coach wants JJM,  the front office needs JJM, the fans want JJM.... what does he have to gain here?  

He can likely get a multi year deal with more guaranteed money than MN will be willing to put up.  I just dont subscribe to this notion that these guys are going to give up money to attend KOCs QB camp another year.

I can see a scenario where he stays a Viking, but I agree the more likely outcome is him going elsewhere.  However, I don’t see him having a guaranteed starting spot anywhere and the Vikes probably want a very strong number 2 when going with a guy who has yet to take a snap in the NFL regular season.

[StickierBuns]

Dimes will be gone if Darnold stays.  I still don't really see the upside of another year of Darnold unless you believe McCarthy isn't the answer.

I don't either, it doesn't make sense to me. You're just pushing his development 'can' down the road another year. Every other rookie QB drafted in round 1 last year is starting. Why waste the cap space giving Darnold $30 million this year? 

I've come to the conclusion that the sports media doesn't have a f-ing clue about anything right now. They are just pushing narratives to try and be right when it all comes out next week and also get those clicks and views. I'll take opinions for opinion sake instead of 'My sources indicate.....'. 

[McAfee Show] "You're putting Kevin O'Connell with JJ McCarthy and the talent that they have on that Vikings roster.. To me the Vikings go to another level with JJ McCarthy" ~ @KirkHerbstreit #PMSLive.